Do You Lack Wisdom?
By Alan Riley
Of all the things that we might desire, the Bible clearly recommends one thing highly: wisdom.
An attempt to gain wisdom through a "short cut" was part of the reason for the original sin in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:6 says, "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a man who God blessed with such wisdom that the whole world sought an audience with him to hear the wisdom that God put in his heart. (1 Kings 10:24). Virtually the entire book of Proverbs is a plea for us to embrace, to seek, and to ask God for wisdom.
Near the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus went to his hometown, and the people there were amazed at his miracles, yes, but also by the wisdom that God had given to Him. "Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" (Matthew 13:54, NIV)
It's not that Jesus didn't have this wisdom as He was growing up - we know that even as a young boy, His wisdom and insight confounded the learned scholars in the Temple. I suspect that prior to the beginning of His ministry, Jesus quietly went about His work as a carpenter with His father, waiting for the time when all would know Who He was.
What is it about wisdom that makes it more desirable than silver or gold, more precious than any earthly possession? It is because with wisdom is the key to properly leveraging knowledge and experiences. During our lifetimes, we all have many experiences and we all learn things. Whether or not you apply those academic and life lessons to your present circumstances shows whether or not you possess wisdom.
Ever had someone about whom you said, "He's got a lot of book learning, but no common sense whatsoever"? That person lacked wisdom. They may have boundless amounts of knowledge stored in their brains, but without wisdom, they don't know how to apply that knowledge in a practical way to their daily lives.
A nutritionist who has a degree in knowing what they should eat, but who pigs out on junk food and weighs 400 pounds lacks wisdom. An oncologist who daily sees cancer ravage his patients yet smokes two packs of cigarettes a day lacks wisdom. A counselor who has versed in the principles of relationships, understands the importance of the family, and can give advice to others about their marriage, yet leaves his wife and kids for another woman lacks wisdom.
A person who is aware of their sinful condition, and understands the message of the Gospel, yet fails to give his or her life to Jesus Christ clearly lacks wisdom. Wisdom is that precious gift of insight and understanding from God that leads us to make wise choices in our lives. Samuel Taylor Coleridge said, "Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom."
Has your life been marked by poor choices?
Have you demonstrated time and time again that you do not have wisdom?
I have really good news for you. God is a God of second chances. Not to mention third and fourth and fifth...
If the Bible is true - and it is - and the words contained within it are reliable - and they are - then the beginning of wisdom for you is just a prayer away. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." It is never too late to begin walking in wisdom.
Scripture Of The Day: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NKJV)
By Alan Riley
Of all the things that we might desire, the Bible clearly recommends one thing highly: wisdom.
An attempt to gain wisdom through a "short cut" was part of the reason for the original sin in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:6 says, "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."
The book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a man who God blessed with such wisdom that the whole world sought an audience with him to hear the wisdom that God put in his heart. (1 Kings 10:24). Virtually the entire book of Proverbs is a plea for us to embrace, to seek, and to ask God for wisdom.
Near the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus went to his hometown, and the people there were amazed at his miracles, yes, but also by the wisdom that God had given to Him. "Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" (Matthew 13:54, NIV)
It's not that Jesus didn't have this wisdom as He was growing up - we know that even as a young boy, His wisdom and insight confounded the learned scholars in the Temple. I suspect that prior to the beginning of His ministry, Jesus quietly went about His work as a carpenter with His father, waiting for the time when all would know Who He was.
What is it about wisdom that makes it more desirable than silver or gold, more precious than any earthly possession? It is because with wisdom is the key to properly leveraging knowledge and experiences. During our lifetimes, we all have many experiences and we all learn things. Whether or not you apply those academic and life lessons to your present circumstances shows whether or not you possess wisdom.
Ever had someone about whom you said, "He's got a lot of book learning, but no common sense whatsoever"? That person lacked wisdom. They may have boundless amounts of knowledge stored in their brains, but without wisdom, they don't know how to apply that knowledge in a practical way to their daily lives.
A nutritionist who has a degree in knowing what they should eat, but who pigs out on junk food and weighs 400 pounds lacks wisdom. An oncologist who daily sees cancer ravage his patients yet smokes two packs of cigarettes a day lacks wisdom. A counselor who has versed in the principles of relationships, understands the importance of the family, and can give advice to others about their marriage, yet leaves his wife and kids for another woman lacks wisdom.
A person who is aware of their sinful condition, and understands the message of the Gospel, yet fails to give his or her life to Jesus Christ clearly lacks wisdom. Wisdom is that precious gift of insight and understanding from God that leads us to make wise choices in our lives. Samuel Taylor Coleridge said, "Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom."
Has your life been marked by poor choices?
Have you demonstrated time and time again that you do not have wisdom?
I have really good news for you. God is a God of second chances. Not to mention third and fourth and fifth...
If the Bible is true - and it is - and the words contained within it are reliable - and they are - then the beginning of wisdom for you is just a prayer away. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." It is never too late to begin walking in wisdom.
Scripture Of The Day: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NKJV)
Wisdom’s Seven Pillars
By Bishop Jim Swilley
You have within you the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)—wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly—Jesus is made unto you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) and you are daily growing in it and in revelation (“For I always pray...that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him...” Ephesians 1:17 - AMP).
Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars, and a well-rounded life in Christ comes from embracing each of them.
1. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (2 Peter 1:2; Philippians 3:3-10). It’s not enough to just know about God…you have to make the effort to get to know Him, and that comes from spending time with Him, communicating with Him on a regular basis, and experiencing a continual manifestation of His presence. God wants to be known, and you can know Him!
2. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES. He made his ACTS known to the children of Israel, but He made His WAYS known to Moses (Psalm 103:7). Learning the ways of God is far superior to simply being aware of His acts!
3. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES. Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed of his ignorance. Learn to rightly divide the logos Word so that you are able to receive the rhema word (2 Timothy 2:15). Wisdom is found in the written Word!
4. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE—the kind that only comes by experience—by learning through trial and error…from your own mistakes…and by graduating maturely and soberly from the school of hard knocks. Jesus LEARNED obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)…Paul LEARNED how to be abased and how to abound (Philippians 4:11). Each new day is a learning opportunity if you know how to look at it correctly!
5. Seek to grasp a KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE so that you can deal wisely with them. (“But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all men...He Himself knew what was in human nature [He could read men’s hearts].” – John 2:24, 25 AMP). Be wise as a serpent/harmless as a dove…be people-smart!
6. Embrace the KNOWLEDGE OF SELF—the truth that God desires in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Find your true self in the revelation of Christ…the more you know Him, the more you’ll know you!
7. Love PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE—to be, like Moses, “mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22). Remember that knowledge is power!
Scripture Of The Day: "Wisdom has built her house...hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars. She has killed her beast...mixed her [spiritual] wine...set her table...sent out her maids to cry...“Whoever is simple...turn in here!”...[God’s] Wisdom says to him, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed...[forsake the foolish and simple-minded] and live!...Walk in the way of insight and understanding.” - Proverb 9:1-6 (AMP)
By Bishop Jim Swilley
You have within you the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)—wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly—Jesus is made unto you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) and you are daily growing in it and in revelation (“For I always pray...that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him...” Ephesians 1:17 - AMP).
Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars, and a well-rounded life in Christ comes from embracing each of them.
1. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (2 Peter 1:2; Philippians 3:3-10). It’s not enough to just know about God…you have to make the effort to get to know Him, and that comes from spending time with Him, communicating with Him on a regular basis, and experiencing a continual manifestation of His presence. God wants to be known, and you can know Him!
2. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES. He made his ACTS known to the children of Israel, but He made His WAYS known to Moses (Psalm 103:7). Learning the ways of God is far superior to simply being aware of His acts!
3. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES. Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed of his ignorance. Learn to rightly divide the logos Word so that you are able to receive the rhema word (2 Timothy 2:15). Wisdom is found in the written Word!
4. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE—the kind that only comes by experience—by learning through trial and error…from your own mistakes…and by graduating maturely and soberly from the school of hard knocks. Jesus LEARNED obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)…Paul LEARNED how to be abased and how to abound (Philippians 4:11). Each new day is a learning opportunity if you know how to look at it correctly!
5. Seek to grasp a KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE so that you can deal wisely with them. (“But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all men...He Himself knew what was in human nature [He could read men’s hearts].” – John 2:24, 25 AMP). Be wise as a serpent/harmless as a dove…be people-smart!
6. Embrace the KNOWLEDGE OF SELF—the truth that God desires in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Find your true self in the revelation of Christ…the more you know Him, the more you’ll know you!
7. Love PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE—to be, like Moses, “mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22). Remember that knowledge is power!
Scripture Of The Day: "Wisdom has built her house...hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars. She has killed her beast...mixed her [spiritual] wine...set her table...sent out her maids to cry...“Whoever is simple...turn in here!”...[God’s] Wisdom says to him, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed...[forsake the foolish and simple-minded] and live!...Walk in the way of insight and understanding.” - Proverb 9:1-6 (AMP)
It’s Yours For The Asking
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
There are times when it seems that God deals with us on a need to know basis. God gives us what we need to know, when we need to know it -- nothing more and nothing less.
Perhaps if we got too much too soon, we wouldn’t know what to do with it. If we got it too easily, we wouldn’t appreciate it properly as in too much, too soon. If we knew too much in advance, we might engage in self sabotaging activities. We could say or do something that may rearrange the plans. We could start dragging our feet into our future.
Maybe God deals with us on a need to know basis because God knows some things would blow our minds. John records in his gospel that Jesus did many more things but they were not recorded in his book. What we have is what we need to know. Jesus told the disciples that if he told them everything, they would not be able to bear it.
All Moses knew was that he was told to tell Pharaoh to let my people go. God didn’t say anything at the burning bush about the ten plagues, golden calf and forty years wandering in the wilderness with a murmuring mega congregation.
All Nehemiah knew was that he had to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the gates of the city. God didn’t say anything to him during the four months of prayer about Sanballat, Tobiah and Gesham.
All Deborah knew was that she had a palm tree to sit under to judge all Israel. There was nothing in her initial contract about going into battle with Barak.
This is the need to know basis which can be disconcerting at times. There’s hope! There’s the wisdom of God!
Pythagoras contends that no man is wise, but God only. A part of what helps us face trials with pure joy according to James is wisdom. The wisdom here is not the ordinary garden variety wisdom that can be attained through the acquisition of knowledge, information and experience. This wisdom is more than practical insight, but is a gift that comes from God.
The wisdom that God gives has been described as being good, pure and loving. It is according to J. I. Packer, in Knowing God, the power to see, and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it. A.W. Tozer indicates that wisdom sees the end from the beginning; it keeps things in focus so that you can work towards a goal with precision
The writer of Deuteronomy informs us that Joshua was given wisdom to know how to lead Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:0) Instead of riches, fame and fortune, Solomon asked for and received wisdom to know how preside over Israel. (2 Chronicles 1: 1-12)
Believers today can obtain this wisdom to know how to handle life and live it, just by asking. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5) You get this wisdom by first confessing your lack of it. You receive this wisdom by asking God for it. Then believe you’ll receive it. (James 1:6)
So when you feel you are at a need to know moment, remember the wisdom of God. It’s yours for the asking.
Scripture Of The Day: “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God…” - James 1:5 (NIV)
By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
There are times when it seems that God deals with us on a need to know basis. God gives us what we need to know, when we need to know it -- nothing more and nothing less.
Perhaps if we got too much too soon, we wouldn’t know what to do with it. If we got it too easily, we wouldn’t appreciate it properly as in too much, too soon. If we knew too much in advance, we might engage in self sabotaging activities. We could say or do something that may rearrange the plans. We could start dragging our feet into our future.
Maybe God deals with us on a need to know basis because God knows some things would blow our minds. John records in his gospel that Jesus did many more things but they were not recorded in his book. What we have is what we need to know. Jesus told the disciples that if he told them everything, they would not be able to bear it.
All Moses knew was that he was told to tell Pharaoh to let my people go. God didn’t say anything at the burning bush about the ten plagues, golden calf and forty years wandering in the wilderness with a murmuring mega congregation.
All Nehemiah knew was that he had to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the gates of the city. God didn’t say anything to him during the four months of prayer about Sanballat, Tobiah and Gesham.
All Deborah knew was that she had a palm tree to sit under to judge all Israel. There was nothing in her initial contract about going into battle with Barak.
This is the need to know basis which can be disconcerting at times. There’s hope! There’s the wisdom of God!
Pythagoras contends that no man is wise, but God only. A part of what helps us face trials with pure joy according to James is wisdom. The wisdom here is not the ordinary garden variety wisdom that can be attained through the acquisition of knowledge, information and experience. This wisdom is more than practical insight, but is a gift that comes from God.
The wisdom that God gives has been described as being good, pure and loving. It is according to J. I. Packer, in Knowing God, the power to see, and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it. A.W. Tozer indicates that wisdom sees the end from the beginning; it keeps things in focus so that you can work towards a goal with precision
The writer of Deuteronomy informs us that Joshua was given wisdom to know how to lead Israel. (Deuteronomy 34:0) Instead of riches, fame and fortune, Solomon asked for and received wisdom to know how preside over Israel. (2 Chronicles 1: 1-12)
Believers today can obtain this wisdom to know how to handle life and live it, just by asking. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5) You get this wisdom by first confessing your lack of it. You receive this wisdom by asking God for it. Then believe you’ll receive it. (James 1:6)
So when you feel you are at a need to know moment, remember the wisdom of God. It’s yours for the asking.
Scripture Of The Day: “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God…” - James 1:5 (NIV)
Moments
By Pastor Olu Brown
The longer I live the more I realize life is filled with moments -- moments of pain, moments of joy, moments of triumph and moments of defeat. The writer of Ecclesiastes said it best when he described life in the picture of time.
The other day, I had one of those moments when I thought about my life. I received the news of a tragic accident that claimed the life of five people. In that moment, I reflected.
I have often been guilty of taking my moments or my time for granted and filling them with complaints and fears that rob me of my peace. On that day, I realized just how precious every moment called life really is.
It does not mean we live in constant fear of losing our lives and locking ourselves in the closet in hopes that tragedy will not find us. It does, however, mean that we open ourselves to life and the varying seasons of life. The good, the bad, through health and sickness, and we breathe deeply.
We breathe in, exhale every moment, and give God thanks for that moment.
My heart goes out for the families that will forever be changed because of their loss. I pray their strength and I pray their peace. I pray that those who are no longer with us will have rest in Glory. I also pray that those who remain will love every moment called life and live it to the fullest.
Scripture Of The Day: "There is a time for everything; and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1
By Pastor Olu Brown
The longer I live the more I realize life is filled with moments -- moments of pain, moments of joy, moments of triumph and moments of defeat. The writer of Ecclesiastes said it best when he described life in the picture of time.
The other day, I had one of those moments when I thought about my life. I received the news of a tragic accident that claimed the life of five people. In that moment, I reflected.
I have often been guilty of taking my moments or my time for granted and filling them with complaints and fears that rob me of my peace. On that day, I realized just how precious every moment called life really is.
It does not mean we live in constant fear of losing our lives and locking ourselves in the closet in hopes that tragedy will not find us. It does, however, mean that we open ourselves to life and the varying seasons of life. The good, the bad, through health and sickness, and we breathe deeply.
We breathe in, exhale every moment, and give God thanks for that moment.
My heart goes out for the families that will forever be changed because of their loss. I pray their strength and I pray their peace. I pray that those who are no longer with us will have rest in Glory. I also pray that those who remain will love every moment called life and live it to the fullest.
Scripture Of The Day: "There is a time for everything; and a season for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Embracing Fear
By Milan Ford
Okay I think it’s time to finally let this cat out the bag. I realize that for many of you, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise; but I’m going to take a chance and say it anyway for those of you (like me) who are still trying to figure this whole 'Christian life' thing out.
Here it goes: Sometimes our God just doesn’t make much sense.
Now I realize that may sound a bit strange, but allow me to give you a few examples of what I mean:
In order to receive, He tells us we must (first) learn how to give. (Luke 6:38)
In order to lead, He tells us we must (first) learn how to follow. (Mark 1:17)
In order to be successful in life, we must (first) learn how to fail. (John 12:24-25).
And in order to be confident, we must (first) learn you to be afraid. (Proverbs 14:26)
Be afraid? Seems like strange advice coming from an all-mighty God, doesn’t it? I must admit I thought it was too until I read this passage in its entirety.
In the fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence,
His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
It turns one away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:26-27)
I will never forget something I heard a long-time mentor of mine, Pastor Terrell Murphy, once say when I was still a junior in college: The Kingdom of God…is backwards.
While FEAR is something many of us seek to avoid, I believe now more than ever before that FEAR is something God wants us at times to embrace. Although difficult for us to grasp, the measure of FAITH we have in God can be directly related to the measure of FEAR we have of Him.
For example: How many job opportunities have you passed up because you were AFRAID of what the employer may have said…rather than being AFRAID of disobeying the God who told you to apply? How many unfruitful relationships are you still holding on to because you are AFRAID of being alone…rather than being AFRAID of not trusting in the God who has better ones in store?
Believe it or not, FEAR is not something we always have to back away from. Sometimes, FEAR is something we need to lean more into. FEAR is not an enemy to us who believe; but rather it can be a very useful tool of faith. A tool of confidence. And as many of us already know, a tool of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7)
Today, let’s honor God with our lives and with godly fear, examine the decisions we make concerning our lives.
Scripture Of The Day: "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, it turns one away from the snares of death." - Proverbs 14:27 (NKJV)
By Milan Ford
Okay I think it’s time to finally let this cat out the bag. I realize that for many of you, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise; but I’m going to take a chance and say it anyway for those of you (like me) who are still trying to figure this whole 'Christian life' thing out.
Here it goes: Sometimes our God just doesn’t make much sense.
Now I realize that may sound a bit strange, but allow me to give you a few examples of what I mean:
In order to receive, He tells us we must (first) learn how to give. (Luke 6:38)
In order to lead, He tells us we must (first) learn how to follow. (Mark 1:17)
In order to be successful in life, we must (first) learn how to fail. (John 12:24-25).
And in order to be confident, we must (first) learn you to be afraid. (Proverbs 14:26)
Be afraid? Seems like strange advice coming from an all-mighty God, doesn’t it? I must admit I thought it was too until I read this passage in its entirety.
In the fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence,
His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
It turns one away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:26-27)
I will never forget something I heard a long-time mentor of mine, Pastor Terrell Murphy, once say when I was still a junior in college: The Kingdom of God…is backwards.
While FEAR is something many of us seek to avoid, I believe now more than ever before that FEAR is something God wants us at times to embrace. Although difficult for us to grasp, the measure of FAITH we have in God can be directly related to the measure of FEAR we have of Him.
For example: How many job opportunities have you passed up because you were AFRAID of what the employer may have said…rather than being AFRAID of disobeying the God who told you to apply? How many unfruitful relationships are you still holding on to because you are AFRAID of being alone…rather than being AFRAID of not trusting in the God who has better ones in store?
Believe it or not, FEAR is not something we always have to back away from. Sometimes, FEAR is something we need to lean more into. FEAR is not an enemy to us who believe; but rather it can be a very useful tool of faith. A tool of confidence. And as many of us already know, a tool of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7)
Today, let’s honor God with our lives and with godly fear, examine the decisions we make concerning our lives.
Scripture Of The Day: "The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, it turns one away from the snares of death." - Proverbs 14:27 (NKJV)
The Proper Place Of Sovereignty
By Pastor Paula White
In Hebrew, “Fear of the Lord” is translated Yirat Adonai. The root word Yirah expresses many different aspects of how we should regard God: with awe, reverence, wonder, amazement, fear, astonishment, devotion, and awareness of the sacred and awesome mystery of our relation to an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God…
When taking into consideration the many ideas expressed by the word “yirah,” having a “fear of the Lord” becomes very reasonable. It is actually a call for us to acknowledge God’s awesomeness -- in the universe, and in our lives. It is a declaration of our faith in Him, and how we should love and revere Him.
It reminds us to experience Him with ever-evolving, daily-renewed love and commitment…to realize and worship with gratitude the preciousness of our relationship with our Creator.
In other words: having a “fear of the Lord” is daily-remembering not to take God, and our relationship with Him, for granted. When we respect and regard Him in this manner, it gives our Father His proper place of sovereignty over our lives.
Having this kind of “fear of the Lord” is not a command to consider Him as a terrifying, unforgiving, or wrathful God. “Fear of the Lord” doesn’t mean being scared of God.
When people think, “God is scary!” this perception comes from a distorted perception of who God is. God has revealed His nature in His Word. From cover to cover in your Bible, you will find that God loves His children and seeks their highest and best good. The apostle Paul described God’s nature as having these hallmarks in addition to love: joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 – 23).
However, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are the created; He is the Creator. We are finite; He is infinite. We are bound by time and space; He is eternal and ever-present. We know things in part; He knows things in full.
We are wise when we welcome the presence of God into our lives. We are wise when we consult God about who we are and what He has planned for us. We are wise when we realize that God is in control.
This is why the Bible tells us that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and we are commanded to follow His Word and praise Him in all things, and for all things.
So rejoice daily in having a healthy “fear of the Lord.” It is a truly a profound expression of our faith in Him – and it brings us into a deeper, fuller, more intimate relationship with our Father, the great “I AM!”
Scripture Of The Day: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." - Psalm 111:10
By Pastor Paula White
In Hebrew, “Fear of the Lord” is translated Yirat Adonai. The root word Yirah expresses many different aspects of how we should regard God: with awe, reverence, wonder, amazement, fear, astonishment, devotion, and awareness of the sacred and awesome mystery of our relation to an omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God…
When taking into consideration the many ideas expressed by the word “yirah,” having a “fear of the Lord” becomes very reasonable. It is actually a call for us to acknowledge God’s awesomeness -- in the universe, and in our lives. It is a declaration of our faith in Him, and how we should love and revere Him.
It reminds us to experience Him with ever-evolving, daily-renewed love and commitment…to realize and worship with gratitude the preciousness of our relationship with our Creator.
In other words: having a “fear of the Lord” is daily-remembering not to take God, and our relationship with Him, for granted. When we respect and regard Him in this manner, it gives our Father His proper place of sovereignty over our lives.
Having this kind of “fear of the Lord” is not a command to consider Him as a terrifying, unforgiving, or wrathful God. “Fear of the Lord” doesn’t mean being scared of God.
When people think, “God is scary!” this perception comes from a distorted perception of who God is. God has revealed His nature in His Word. From cover to cover in your Bible, you will find that God loves His children and seeks their highest and best good. The apostle Paul described God’s nature as having these hallmarks in addition to love: joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22 – 23).
However, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are the created; He is the Creator. We are finite; He is infinite. We are bound by time and space; He is eternal and ever-present. We know things in part; He knows things in full.
We are wise when we welcome the presence of God into our lives. We are wise when we consult God about who we are and what He has planned for us. We are wise when we realize that God is in control.
This is why the Bible tells us that “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and we are commanded to follow His Word and praise Him in all things, and for all things.
So rejoice daily in having a healthy “fear of the Lord.” It is a truly a profound expression of our faith in Him – and it brings us into a deeper, fuller, more intimate relationship with our Father, the great “I AM!”
Scripture Of The Day: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." - Psalm 111:10
Lacking No Good Thing
By Pastor Andre Butler
Sometimes we talk about the fear of the Lord and we think about just a deep respect, but that is not what the fear of the Lord is about. The word “fear” in Psalm 34:9, when translated, means “reverence.” Reverence is deeper than respect. To revere the Lord is to be in awe of him and this begins on the inside. You choose on the inside to revere him. And so he says here that we need to choose to have a reverence for God. Notice what he says will happen when we fear the Lord. There is no want. The word “want” there also means no lack. Here is the key to reaching a place where we do not lack at all. People in this world today lack for money, health, peace of mind, answers, and even victory. There are so many different areas that people in this world lack for. But the Word says that they who fear the Lord -- there is no lack for them. It doesn’t matter if you are black, white, old, or young. As long as you do this, you can reach a state of no lack. Why should you fear the Lord? Because, when you fear God you will reach the place where you do not lack any good thing. That means if it is a good thing, you will have it. It is the will of God that you lack no good thing in your life. If it is a good thing then God wants you to have it. But the only qualifier to me is that you fear Him. If you fear Him, then He is going to bless you. How do you get there, you may ask? The answer is walking in the fear of the Lord. This is a very important topic, and there is a little bit more to this than we sometimes realize. I am not talking about being afraid of God. God does not want you afraid of Him and afraid of what He is going to do to you. Real knowledge and real wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. When you begin to reverence God then you are ready to operate in a higher level of knowledge and a higher level of wisdom than the world. There is going to be a certain revelation that rules in your life because if you are reverencing Him and are in awe of him, you're going to recognize that not only is He God, but that He is always watching you. So obviously the Word is going to get you to a place where you are operating in the fear of the Lord and then, of course, the fear of the Lord will cause you to lack no good thing in your life. Scripture Of The Day: "Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints. There is no want to those who fear Him." - Psalm 34:9
By Pastor Andre Butler
Sometimes we talk about the fear of the Lord and we think about just a deep respect, but that is not what the fear of the Lord is about. The word “fear” in Psalm 34:9, when translated, means “reverence.” Reverence is deeper than respect. To revere the Lord is to be in awe of him and this begins on the inside. You choose on the inside to revere him. And so he says here that we need to choose to have a reverence for God. Notice what he says will happen when we fear the Lord. There is no want. The word “want” there also means no lack. Here is the key to reaching a place where we do not lack at all. People in this world today lack for money, health, peace of mind, answers, and even victory. There are so many different areas that people in this world lack for. But the Word says that they who fear the Lord -- there is no lack for them. It doesn’t matter if you are black, white, old, or young. As long as you do this, you can reach a state of no lack. Why should you fear the Lord? Because, when you fear God you will reach the place where you do not lack any good thing. That means if it is a good thing, you will have it. It is the will of God that you lack no good thing in your life. If it is a good thing then God wants you to have it. But the only qualifier to me is that you fear Him. If you fear Him, then He is going to bless you. How do you get there, you may ask? The answer is walking in the fear of the Lord. This is a very important topic, and there is a little bit more to this than we sometimes realize. I am not talking about being afraid of God. God does not want you afraid of Him and afraid of what He is going to do to you. Real knowledge and real wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. When you begin to reverence God then you are ready to operate in a higher level of knowledge and a higher level of wisdom than the world. There is going to be a certain revelation that rules in your life because if you are reverencing Him and are in awe of him, you're going to recognize that not only is He God, but that He is always watching you. So obviously the Word is going to get you to a place where you are operating in the fear of the Lord and then, of course, the fear of the Lord will cause you to lack no good thing in your life. Scripture Of The Day: "Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints. There is no want to those who fear Him." - Psalm 34:9
That Kind Of Mother
By Aqualyn Toi Jones
I'm not supposed to be here. Well, at least not according to the doctor who told my mother that she would have problems conceiving. Obviously, and thankfully, God had other plans for both my mother and me.
If anyone deserved to have kids, in my humble opinion, it's my Mommy (yes, I still call her that as a grown woman). She is a lovely, intelligent, sweet and godly woman. She prayed, despite what the doctors said, for children. And she told God that she would give her children back to Him if He granted that request. Sounds very similar to a woman named Hannah in the first chapter of 1 Samuel.
Hannah's womb was closed. For years she lived in anguish because of her barrenness. In 1 Samuel, she made a vow to God. "...If You will remember me and not forget your maidservant, but will give your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..."
Hannah made good on her vow. She literally gave her son to Eli, the priest. Samuel grew to become one of the great prophets and judges of Israel. I wonder if Hannah knew what her son would become. I wonder if Samuel knew the kind of mother he had.
W.E. Biederwolf once said, "Hannah wanted only a son, but God wanted more. He wanted a prophet and a ruler for His people. Precisely by those weeks and months and years, there came a woman with a vision like God's, with a gentle spirit and a seasoned will, prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of man God knew the nation needed."
My mother spent years in prayer to be able to have children. And once we got here, the prayers didn't stop. They intensified. She's the kind of mother who raised us to love and fear the Lord. To trust Him. She's the kind of mother who taught us how to pray. She exemplified a grateful spirit and heart. She's the kind of woman who writes, "Thank You, Jesus" in her check book register every time she pays a bill.
I don't have children yet, but when that time comes I want to be like Hannah and my mother. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Every blessing, relationship, opportunity and reward comes from God. It's only fitting that we offer back to Him the very things and lives that He has given us. Perhaps if we asked of Him from this perspective, we would see more of our prayers answered.
What destiny lies in your children? What sacrifices are you willing to make to ensure their salvation? What lengths would you go to for your child to fulfill his or her purpose? We need more Hannahs. More women who are prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of children God knows the world needs.
Scripture Of The Day: "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD . For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." - 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)
By Aqualyn Toi Jones
I'm not supposed to be here. Well, at least not according to the doctor who told my mother that she would have problems conceiving. Obviously, and thankfully, God had other plans for both my mother and me.
If anyone deserved to have kids, in my humble opinion, it's my Mommy (yes, I still call her that as a grown woman). She is a lovely, intelligent, sweet and godly woman. She prayed, despite what the doctors said, for children. And she told God that she would give her children back to Him if He granted that request. Sounds very similar to a woman named Hannah in the first chapter of 1 Samuel.
Hannah's womb was closed. For years she lived in anguish because of her barrenness. In 1 Samuel, she made a vow to God. "...If You will remember me and not forget your maidservant, but will give your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..."
Hannah made good on her vow. She literally gave her son to Eli, the priest. Samuel grew to become one of the great prophets and judges of Israel. I wonder if Hannah knew what her son would become. I wonder if Samuel knew the kind of mother he had.
W.E. Biederwolf once said, "Hannah wanted only a son, but God wanted more. He wanted a prophet and a ruler for His people. Precisely by those weeks and months and years, there came a woman with a vision like God's, with a gentle spirit and a seasoned will, prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of man God knew the nation needed."
My mother spent years in prayer to be able to have children. And once we got here, the prayers didn't stop. They intensified. She's the kind of mother who raised us to love and fear the Lord. To trust Him. She's the kind of mother who taught us how to pray. She exemplified a grateful spirit and heart. She's the kind of woman who writes, "Thank You, Jesus" in her check book register every time she pays a bill.
I don't have children yet, but when that time comes I want to be like Hannah and my mother. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Every blessing, relationship, opportunity and reward comes from God. It's only fitting that we offer back to Him the very things and lives that He has given us. Perhaps if we asked of Him from this perspective, we would see more of our prayers answered.
What destiny lies in your children? What sacrifices are you willing to make to ensure their salvation? What lengths would you go to for your child to fulfill his or her purpose? We need more Hannahs. More women who are prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of children God knows the world needs.
Scripture Of The Day: "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD . For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." - 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)
FreshFire Productions is proud to announce DJ Grace's debut solo project. Get It Right; as it is titled from the fifth track serves as a warning to both believers and non believers. This ten track album from DJ Grace features two guest artists MJ and Royal T from St. Lucia and Trinidad.
The album addresses issues that we face today in society especially with the youth. From drug, sex, violence to deception, low self esteem, and failure to represent what we stand for as Christians. On other tracks, DJ Grace also share the goodness of Christ to those who never knew or heard about Christ before or maybe feel like giving up the faith. Another track on this album which was also placed for a reason is track nine - "Dem Cah Tell We Nuttin". Recently dancehall and reggae music in the Caribbean has taken a new turn with artists fighting down one another and warring through song for example the recent Gaza/Gully feud. Others sing about sex and being gangsters to earn respect. I'm sure this is not what we want for our young people and we need to support our Gospel artists so we can clean up the airwaves. If they aren't ashamed to sing what they sing about then we should be proud to stand for what we believe in.
The album features three singles which were liked by those who heard it. Dem Cah Tell We Nuttin was the first and was featured on “Stepping On The Frontline Mixtape”. “Never Gonna Turn Away” was the second was also featured on “Stepping On The Frontline Mixtape” and also one of DJ Livstrong’s Mixtape. The third single “God Is Still With You” was written a few days after the earthquake devastated Haiti. The song was written to encourage the victims or anyone else who actually feels that they’re alone when faced with hard times. This single was featured on GospelReggae.Com’s “Haiti Rise” compilation. Those three songs are still favorites along with “My God Is Great ft. Royal T”, “Be Real (Outro)” and “Love of Money”.
If you’re a DJ or appreciate dancehall music this album should definitely be added to your collection. Get It Right and Get It Now!
http://www.gospelreggae.com/browse/albums/78da334c330700019900cf/DJ+Grace/Get+It+Right.html
THE ALBUM IS AVAILABLE IN MP3 FORMAT FROM GOSPELREGGAE.COM
http://www.gospelreggae.com/browse/albums/78da334c4e010001c000f9/Various+Artists/Stepping+on+the+Frontline+Mixtape.html
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